Leading design and construction consultancy McBains has successfully overseen the expansion of Windsor Girls’ School and Windsor Boys’ School, having provided a full inter-disciplinary service to both projects that included cost management, architecture, mechanical and electrical engineering and structural engineering services.
Both schools were selected by the local authority to expand pupil intake by one form of entry, as part of a £20-million plan to provide an extra 1,380-classroom spaces across the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.
Although physically separate, located approximately 1-mile apart, the two state secondary schools converted to academy status in 2015 and now operate as a single legal entity, having formed a multi-academy trust called the Windsor Learning Partnership.
The schools sought to expand in order to accommodate more pupils whilst avoiding any significant increase in the overall footprint of the buildings and in turn sacrificing outside space.
The design and appearance of any extension or refurbishment works also needed to be in keeping with the existing school premises.
The additional capacity required at Windsor Girls’ School was created largely through the rearrangement of existing accommodation and facilities to release space for more classrooms. An extension to the existing pupil entrance provides additional kitchen, hall and dining space, whilst a single storey extension has been added to the previous kitchen space to accommodate four additional classrooms.
At Windsor Boys’ School, McBains’ solution comprised the refurbishment and extension of the front of the main building to enable the re-location of the administration team, reception and head teacher. The previous staff offices were in turn converted to provide the additional classroom space required. In order to cater for the additional pupil numbers, the scheme also involved the expansion and refurbishment of the existing changing facilities, assembly hall and library.
Mark Baseby, Director at McBains, commented: “Our designs for the reconfiguration works at both schools have not only allowed for increased pupil intake but they have also provided greater prominence and accessibility to the school entrances”.
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